This compound belongs to the naphthoquinones. These are compounds containing a naphthohydroquinone moiety, which consists of a benzene ring fused to a bezene-1,4-dione (quinone).

Pharmacology

Indication

For the treatment or prevention of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients who are intolerant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). Also indicated for the acute oral treatment of mild to moderate PCP in patients who are intolerant to TMP-SMX.

Pharmacodynamics

Atovaquone is a highly lipophilic drug that closely resembles the structure ubiquinone. Its inhibitory effect being comparable to ubiquinone, in sensitive parasites atovaquone can act by selectively affecting mitochondrial electron transport and parallel processes such as ATP and pyrimidine biosynthesis. For illustration, cytochrome bc1 complex (complex III) seems to serve as a highly discriminating molecular target for atovaquone in Plasmodia
atovaquone has the advantage of not causing myelosuppression, which is an important issue in patients who have undergone bone marrow transplantation.

Mechanism of action

Atovaquone is a hydroxy- 1, 4- naphthoquinone, an analog of ubiquinone, with antipneumocystis activity. The mechanism of action against Pneumocystis carinii has not been fully elucidated. In Plasmodium species, the site of action appears to be the cytochrome bc1 complex (Complex III). Several metabolic enzymes are linked to the mitochondrial electron transport chain via ubiquinone. Inhibition of electron transport by atovaquone will result in indirect inhibition of these enzymes. The ultimate metabolic effects of such blockade may include inhibition of nucleic acid and ATP synthesis. Atovaquone also has been shown to have good in vitro activity against Toxoplasma gondii.

Absorption

The bioavailability of atovaquone is low and variable and is highly dependent on formulation and diet. Bioavailability of the suspension increases two-fold when administered with meals. When administered with food, bioavailability is approximately 47%. Without food, the bioavailability is 23%.

Volume of distribution

0.60 ± 0.17 L/kg

Protein binding

Atovaquone is extensively bound to plasma proteins (99.9%) over the concentration range of 1 to 90 µg/mL.

Metabolism

Some evidence suggests limited metabolism (although no metabolites have been identified).

Route of elimination

The half-life of atovaquone is long due to presumed enterohepatic cycling and eventual fecal elimination. There was little or no excretion of atovaquone in the urine (less than 0.6%).

The median lethal dose is higher than the maximum oral dose tested in mice and rats (1825 mg/kg per day). Overdoses up to 31,500 mg of atovaquone have been reported. In one such patient who also took an unspecified dose of dapsone, methemoglobinemia occurred. Rash has also been reported after overdose.